The steering committee reconvened in Chicago on Wednesday July 31st and Thursday August 1st in Chicago to discuss options surrounding the negotiations with United Airlines.
On Wednesday the committee received several presentations on the status of bargaining when the parties last met in May.
Clacy Griswold, Airline Division Rep and Chief Negotiator, opened the session and explained to the group all that had transpired since the committee met last August.
Local 210 Business Agent Ralph Salzano went through article by article all of the non-economic items that were agreed to during the facilitated process. This was followed by a presentation by Peter Hardcastle, of Cheiron, on the VDB (Variable Defined Benefit) pension discussions. He was followed by John Colberg and Jim Holland; both from Cheiron, who gave a presentation on the health and welfare discussions. Dan Akins, economist from Akins and Associates then gave a presentation of the overall economic issues that the negotiating committee both has and will be dealing with.
At the end of each presentation there were question and answer periods for the committee so that they could clearly understand what was being discussed. One of the items that generated much discussion during the health and welfare discussions was the VEBA program. This program is a tax free account used to offset different medical costs. This account can be carried with the employee through retirement and then willed to surviving dependents. More information about this program will be available in the coming months.
Close to the end of the session on Wednesday Clacy received word that the company would like to meet with the IBT leadership that evening to discuss negotiations. On Wednesday evening Mike Bonds, Doug McKeen, Jeff Wall and Marcel Delhommeau from the company met with David Bourne, Clacy Griswold, Ed Gleason, Paul Alves and Bob Fisher from the IBT to learn what direction the company was seeking in regards to negotiations.
Thursday morning the steering committee was given a report on the meeting of the prior evening. The committee was informed that the company desired to get back to the table and that they appeared motivated to finishing what was started in January. Based on this report; the steering committee after much through discussion, determined that the best course of action would be to return to the table as soon as possible to finish the deal. There were concerns however that the company may not be serious and to that end there was a discussion on pulling the resource utilization MOU. After the committee learned that it was the opinion of the Division, through direction of counsel, that the letter could be terminated at any time, the committee tabled a motion to withdraw from the letter and will review progress in October to determine which course of action to take at that time.
Ed Gleason from IBT Legal gave a presentation on scope. It was determined that a joint scope committee meeting should be held in the very near future to discuss several issues that were brought forward in the question and answer period following Ed’s presentation.
The day finished with a general question and answer period and the session ended around 2pm.
After the session, the company was notified that the committee desired to return to the table. The parties will discuss scheduling in the next couple of weeks. It is anticipated that we will return to the table in early September. When dates are agreed upon it will be reported through the Dispatch.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Protocol Agreement Deadline Passes without Agreement
Protocol Agreement Deadline for UAL Mechanics Passes without Agreement
Management and union negotiators for the UAL mechanics met this past week in Chicago in a facilitated expedited bargaining process under the auspices of the National Mediation Board to continue negotiations under the outline of the Protocol Agreement with the hopes of concluding a joint combined agreement.
The protocol agreement called for discussions to end if agreement was not reached by May 29, 2013. While progress was made in certain areas, the union negotiating committee felt managements latest offer fell short of their expectations, and a tentative agreement between the parties was not finalized.
In a message to their members, the negotiators stated that they felt the addition of future bargaining dates could lead to an agreement and committed to work with the carrier, to the fullest extent possible, to arrange those dates in the immediate future.
The parties will continue to operate under the existing agreements as they decide how best to move forward in the Collective Bargaining process.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Mechanics Dispatch For May 11, 2013
May 11, 2013
Update
The week was very busy for the subcommittee meetings involving benefits including medical and pensions. J.J. Johns from the Benefits committee was brought in to assist in the benefits talks between the parties last week and continued assistance in this week’s round. His history, experience, and knowledge in medical and other benefits related issues were welcomed by the committee. Meetings over all this week progressed closer to some agreements, but there are still many unresolved areas. These union subcommittee meetings were assisted by Cheiron actuaries Gaelle Gravot and Jim Holland and were facilitated by Pat Sims from the NMB.
The parties continue to make progress and the discussions will continue the week of May 13thin Chicago.
Seniority Committee
Representatives from the Seniority Committee met with the company on Wednesday to discuss plans to create the new seniority list. Julianne Cooney, UA Senior Analyst - Labor Relations, and Mark Prpich – UA Labor Relations were on hand to discuss the many issues and concerns in combining the three lists in to one. The two member union committee will assist Julianne next week in creating a comprehensive accurate list which will be available for review should the negotiating committee reach a tentative agreement.
Furloughed members urged to update their addresses
Members on furlough are advised to keep their addresses current with the company while on layoff. It is predicted that there will be many movements this year and there have been several members that have been removed from the seniority list because old addresses were on file when notices were sent.
If you are in touch with a furloughed member, please forward this information to them. Updates may be emailed to: ESC@united.com . The ESC will provide a fax number and ask members to send the address change accompanied with a signature.
Useful links
If you would like to see a link added to this list please contact Bob Fisher at:rcfisher7@yahoo.com
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum (This is a good place to discuss merger related items)
The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Boston Local 25
New York & Washington Local 210
Charleston & Atlanta Local 528
Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Tampa & Orlando Local 769
Cleveland Local 964
Chicago Local 781
Houston, Dallas & New Orleans Local 19
Phoenix Local 104
Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam Local 986
San Francisco Local 856/986
Denver Local 455
Monday, May 6, 2013
Airline Division Week In Review May 4, 2013
UAL Negotiations Update
UAL negotiations continued in Chicago this week reviewing the comprehensive proposal to Phase 2 subjects exchanged with the carrier in last week’s session. Each item from the Companies initial proposal was broken down by the committee and discussed in detail. The union team then took another look at the Teamster proposals to determine where adjustments or agreements might possibly be made. Meanwhile, the subcommittees continued to meet and discuss benefit details in an effort to come to a mutual agreement. Cheiron actuaries Gaelle Gravot and Peter Hardcastle assisted the subcommittees and were facilitated by Michael Kelleher from the NMB.
On Wednesday, the Negotiating Committee received a presentation from IBT EAP Coordinator Caleb Goode. The presentation included briefings on the company’s planned/proposed changes to their drug/alcohol policy. Discussions were held within the committee regarding how to proceed with contractual language changes with regard to the IBT’s EAP program on United Airlines, as well as clarification of the program on the property.
The parties continue to make progress and the discussions will continue the week of May 6th in Chicago.
ExpressJet Negotiations Continue
Negotiations resumed on April 29th in Philadelphia. Discussions continued on Section Overtime and the union passed its first proposal on Section 8, Vacation.
No tentative agreements were reached at this session.
Negotiations will resume on May 21st in Washington, D. C. at the offices of the National Mediation Board.
Airline Division Mourns the loss of National Airlines Flight 102
The Airline Division joins all in the aviation community in mourning the tragic loss of National Airlines Flight 102. The flight; which was departing Baghram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, crashed immediately after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all aboard.
“This was an especially sobering loss for all of us in the industry,” said Airline Division Director David Bourne. “We lost people from across our industry; pilots, mechanics and loadmasters in a horrific manner. While it will no doubt prove helpful during the investigation, the dash camera video of the final moments leading to the crash made this an even more painful. Having many hours experience in the 747-400, I can only imagine the heroic efforts of the crew in the final moments. This only serves to remind us of the dangers of the profession for all involved and how important it is that we do everything we can to support each other in our jobs.”
“While they may not have been fellow Teamsters, they were fellow pilots, mechanics and loadmasters. We are lessened by their loss and join in sending our thoughts, prayers and condolences to their families, friends and the National Airlines family,” he concluded.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
President Obama said Tuesday that the recently approved bill to end air traffic controller furloughs will not eliminate the problems the sequester will cause for airline passengers.
Anthony Foxx, the mayor of Charlotte, N.C., was nominated by President Barack Obama for the post of secretary of transportation.
Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., has proposed a bill to add a second set of safety barriers to airline cockpits.
Airlines and Industry
Pinnacle Airlines emerged from bankruptcy on Wednesday as a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.
Boeing has started marketing the updated version of its 777, known as the 777X, to customers.
Compass Airlines flight attendants voted to approve a five-year labor contract on Wednesday.
Republic Airways Holdings said the company is still planning to divest its Frontier unit by June or July, but would not comment on possible buyers.
IPads eliminate pilot documentation packs and save fuel, according to an American Airlines executive.
On Saturday, an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 was the first to return to the skies since the January grounding of the aircraft.
Mechanics Dispatch For May 6, 2013
May 6, 2013
Negotiations Update
This week the negotiating team traveled back to Chicago. The week was spent reviewing the comprehensive proposal to Phase 2 subjects exchanged with the carrier in last week’s session. Each item from the Companies initial proposal was broken down and discussed by the committee. The union team then took another look at the Teamster proposals to determine where adjustments or agreements might possibly be made. Meanwhile, the subcommittees continued to meet and discuss benefit details in an effort to come to a mutual agreement. These union subcommittee meetings were assisted by Cheiron actuaries Gaelle Gravot and Peter Hardcastle and were facilitated by Michael Kelleher from the NMB.
On Wednesday, the negotiating committee received a presentation from IBT EAP Coordinator Caleb Goode. The presentation included briefings on the company’s planned/proposed changes to their drug/alcohol policy. Discussions were held within the committee regarding how to proceed with contractual language changes with regard to the IBT’s EAP program on United Airlines, as well as clarification of the program on the property.
The parties continue to make progress and the discussions will continue the week of May 6thin Chicago.
Furloughed members urged to update their addresses
Members on furlough are advised to keep their addresses current with the company while on layoff. It is predicted that there will be many movements this year and there have been several members that have been removed from the seniority list because old addresses were on file when notices were sent.
If you are in touch with a furloughed member, please forward this information to them. Updates may be emailed to: ESC@united.com . The ESC will provide a fax number and ask members to send the address change accompanied with a signature.
Useful links
If you would like to see a link added to this list please contact Bob Fisher at:rcfisher7@yahoo.com
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum (This is a good place to discuss merger related items)
The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Boston Local 25
New York & Washington Local 210
Charleston & Atlanta Local 528
Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Tampa & Orlando Local 769
Cleveland Local 964
Chicago Local 781
Houston, Dallas & New Orleans Local 19
Phoenix Local 104
Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam Local 986
San Francisco Local 856/986
Denver Local 455
Monday, April 29, 2013
Negotiations Update - April 28, 2013
April 28, 2013
Negotiations Update
The parties met in Phoenix this week, aided by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher of the NMB. Comprehensive proposals were exchanged that included wages, benefits, retirement security and scope.
After the initial proposals were made, subcommittees worked towards understanding the basis of the proposals. In addition the continued work of finalizing language continued.
The beginning of the week found the parties far apart in their positions. Progress was made in subcommittee work through the week and it is expected that further comprehensive proposals will be made the week of the 29th when the parties reconvene in Chicago.
Seniority Integration Update
The seniority integration committee met this week in Phoenix. The committee worked on the craft seniority list identifying ties between the three lists. Several discrepancies were found and the committee requested further information from the company. The committee will continue its work on the list in an effort to finish before the end of May.
Furloughed members urged to update their addresses
Members on furlough are advised to keep their addresses current with the company while on layoff. It is predicted that there will be many movements this year and there have been several members that have been removed from the seniority list because old addresses were on file when notices were sent.
If you are in touch with a furloughed member, please forward this information to them. Updates may be emailed to: ESC@united.com . The ESC will provide a fax number and ask members to send the address change accompanied with a signature.
Useful links
If you would like to see a link added to this list please contact Bob Fisher at:rcfisher7@yahoo.com
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum (This is a good place to discuss merger related items)
The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Boston Local 25
New York & Washington Local 210
Charleston & Atlanta Local 528
Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Tampa & Orlando Local 769
Cleveland Local 964
Chicago Local 781
Houston, Dallas & New Orleans Local 19
Phoenix Local 104
Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam Local 986
San Francisco Local 856/986
Denver Local 455
Airline Week In Review For April 27, 2013
UAL Negotiations Update
The parties met in Phoenix this week aided by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher of the NMB. Comprehensive proposals were exchanged that included wages, benefits, retirement security and scope.
After the initial proposals were made, the subcommittees worked towards understanding the basis of the proposals. In addition the continued work of finalizing language continued.
The beginning of the week found the parties far apart in their positions. Progress was made in subcommittee work through the week and it is expected that further comprehensive proposals will be made the week of the 29th when the parties reconvene in Chicago.
Seniority integration committee discussions also continued this week in Phoenix. The committee worked on the craft seniority list identifying ties between the three lists. Several discrepancies were found and the committee has requested further information from the company. The committee will continue its work on the list in an effort to finish before the end of May.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
The Federal Aviation Administration said that the U.S. air traffic system will resume normal operations by Sunday evening after lawmakers rushed a bill through Congress allowing the agency to withdraw furloughs of air traffic controllers and other workers.
The Federal Aviation Administration lifted its grounding order for Boeing 787s, including for United Airlines. The FAA also estimated the cost of fixing the 787 battery issue at $464,678 per aircraft. However, Boeing may cover the cost of the battery fix under warranty.
Airlines and Industry
The CEO of FedEx says the FAA should adopt satellite based air traffic control.
In this editorial, the Wall Street Journal decries the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to furlough air traffic controllers.
Delta Air Lines reported a $22 million loss in the first quarter for its oil refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania. Delta purchased the refinery in June and reported a $63 million loss in the fourth quarter of last year.
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